Kay was a wonderful woman that was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. Our Mom and “Grammy” was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and a baker of buns like no other. 

Kay’s life began in Minnesota, the youngest of six children born to Russell and Marie Waldriff. She wed Howard Huttel at 18 and had two daughters. Many years later she met George Ware, they were married and had a son, soon after the family moved to CA. In 2008, she fell in love with Dick Clark and lived out the rest of her days, never alone. Her life drew to a close peacefully in her home, with loved ones. 

Kay was renowned for her skills in the kitchen. There was never a shortage of homemade delicious food for all who visited. Kay loved camping, bowling and Judge Judy. She was active in the VFW and Women’s Auxiliary. She loved to be surrounded by family. Many called her Grandma, but to her actual family time spent at Grammy’s or Mom’s was very special. She always said of grandchildren she “spoiled them good, not rotten”. 

Kay loved the Holidays more than any other time of year. She stuffed goody bags for the trick-or-treaters on Halloween and prepared fresh apple cider and baked cookies to serve the parents. The yard was covered in giant blow-ups for Halloween and Christmas. She took great pride in the tens of thousands of lights that brought joy and amazement to the neighborhood. Each year she baked hundreds of holiday cookies and pounds of fudge to share with family and friends. She dressed as Mrs. Claus to hand out stockings to children.

Loved ones that will miss Kay until they meet again are husband Richard Clark; daughters Gloria Mesenbrink and Colleen Hale; son Russell Ware; grandchildren Tammy, Jeff, John, Nikko and Maria; and great-granddaughter Alyson Kay. 

The family will hold a celebration of life at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 4th, at Calvary Baptist Church in Turlock.  A luncheon gathering will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to World Vision Children’s Fund.